Medications

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications only as recommended by your doctor, and according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Medications may help to prevent, reduce, or manage side effects of treatment. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms that you have from either the treatment or the medication.

Bisphosphonates

Common names include:

Pamidronate

Clodronate

Erythropoietin

Multiple myeloma
often damages the bones. Bisphosphonates are used to prevent bone pain and
fractures
by helping the body restore and repair bone that has been damaged by the growth of myeloma cells.

Pamidronate is given as an injection. Clodronate is given daily by mouth. These drugs are used in addition to
chemotherapy. They work by blocking the further breakdown of bone.

Opioids

Common names include:

Morphine

Oxycodone

Fentanyl

Hydromorphone

Methadone

Multiple myeloma can result in chronic and severe back pain. To relieve pain, the doctor may prescribe opioids. They are an effective group of medications if taken as prescribed and under a doctor's supervision. Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking them.

Serious side effects may include difficulty breathing and low blood pressure.

Other Treatments

Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis
may be done if your blood has become too thick from the presence of abnormal antibodies created by multiple myeloma. Plasmapheresis is a process that separates blood components, including the fluid part of the blood (plasma) that contains the abnormal antibodies.

Blood is taken out of the body through one of two tubes. It is spun in a machine that separates plasma from the rest of the blood. The blood cells are mixed with replacement plasma or a plasma substitute. The new mixed blood is then returned to the body through the other tube.

Plasmapheresis is used to help control symptoms of multiple myeloma. Results are not permanent, but the process can be repeated if needed.

Vertebroplasty and Balloon Kyphoplasty

Spinal compression fractures are a complication of multiple myeloma. This complication can result in severe back pain. During
vertebroplasty, a special bone cement is injected into the broken vertebrae. In kyphoplasty, a balloon is used to expand the fractured area before injecting the cement. Both procedures restore some physical function of the spine and reduce pain.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.